Angels closer Brian Fuentes will skip the first round of the World Baseball Classic in order to stay closer to his family. The father of four was concerned about leaving for Florida (where Team USA will train) and Toronto (where Team USA’s first-round games are scheduled) at this time.

Fuentes left camp earlier this week to attend to a family matter.

He said he spoke with officials of Team USA on Saturday and was prepared to skip the entire WBC. But the officials instead suggested he miss the first round and then join the team if it reaches the second round (beginning March 14 in Miami).

“They brought it up,” Fuentes said. “I didn’t know that was an option.”

Fuentes will stay in camp until then but will ease back on his workload since he doesn’t have to prepare for WBC game action as soon.